Colombia is reeling from a devastating wave of violence, with at least 80 people killed and more than 18,000 forced to abandon their homes. The clashes, which erupted between rival armed groups in the northeastern Catatumbo region, have sparked one of the worst outbreaks of violence the country has seen in years. The fighting, which has raged for four days, has left communities in chaos. Many families are now seeking safety in neighboring Venezuela, despite its own ongoing humanitarian struggles. Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has pledged to provide aid to those fleeing the violence. Colombian President Gustavo Petro visited the affected area on Friday, vowing his government’s support for the people of Catatumbo. He has deployed troops and sent humanitarian aid to the region, but the situation remains dire. Displaced families are currently sheltering in a stadium in Cúcuta, a border town that has historically been a hub for Venezuelan migrants. This surge in violence is a stark contrast to the optimism that followed Colombia’s 2016 peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The agreement was meant to end decades of internal conflict, but recent events suggest the country is far from achieving the “total peace” Petro has championed since taking office. The clashes highlight the ongoing challenges Colombia faces in addressing armed conflict and ensuring stability for its citizens. As the violence continues, thousands remain at risk, and the hope for lasting peace feels increasingly out of reach.